Donald Stuart Sargent

DONALD STUART SARGENT

LITTLETON, NH -- With his children at his side Donald Stuart Sargent joined his beloved wife Ethelyn in eternal life following a short illness on July 18. Born in Concord, NH on March 31, 1934, Don was raised by his parents Howard and Marion (Mills) Sargent at their home on Union Street in Littleton. He attended the Apthorp School and then Littleton High graduating in 1952. He played football, basketball and baseball and was even an aspiring thespian appearing in his senior class production. As the center for his football team, he often hiked the ball to his lifelong friend Robert (Bob) Ross. He wrote in his high school yearbook that he "plans to be successful in business management" which foretold his successful career in the insurance industry.

To pursue his aspiration, Don ventured off to the big city of Boston to attend Burdett College in the fall of 1954. Graduating in 1956, Don returned to Littleton with his degree in business management and began his career in the insurance business working for Bernard Hadlock at the Hadlock Agency then located on Jackson Street. In 1956 he fulfilled another dream as he became engaged to Ethelyn Shuttleworth, also of Littleton and they began their over 60-year marriage at the Littleton Methodist Church on September 21, 1957.

Two of his children Jeffery (1958) and Sara (1960) were born while Don and Ethelyn lived in their homes on South Street. In 1961 he made the decision to pursue other opportunities in insurance and went to work for a company in Portland, Maine. He and his family lived in nearby Westbrook and it was during that time his son William (1964) was born. Not one to let moss grow under his feet, Don went to work for the Fitchburg Mutual Fire Insurance Company as their northern New England representative and moved his family to Townsend, Massachusetts. His work occasionally brought him to Littleton where he called on the Hunkins and Eaton agency. It was during one of those visits that Winton Eastman offered Don an opportunity to come to work for him and return to Littleton. It was not a difficult decision for Don as he wanted his family to grow up in his hometown that he loved so much. In early 1968, Don and Ethelyn and their children returned to Littleton and later on that year they purchased their home on Pleasant Street where they raised their family and both lived until their passing.

Don's insurance career took its final stop in 1976 when he joined the Geo. M. Stevens Agency in Lancaster. During his time at GMS, he helped grow the business and expand its offices to Littleton and Lisbon. Don retired from the Stevens agency in 1999 as a senior partner.

Don was a doer and a leader. His civic involvement reflected just that. He immersed himself in community activities including the Lions Club, Elks Club, Masons, Chamber of Commerce, the Industrial Development Authority, Historical Society, Glenwood Cemetery Association, Littleton High School Alumni Association, Methodist Church and the Little League. At one time he was president or chair of most of those organizations. For many years he was one of the "Santas" in the Rotary/Lions Clubs' Christmas Eve visits and was always deeply moved by being able to bring joy and a couple of gifts to those he visited who were in need.

Professionally Don was a member and past president of the NH Independent Insurance Agents Association and was appointed by Governor Hugh Gallen as the insurance industry representative to the NH Board of Fire Control, an advisory board to the NH State Fire Marshal's office and served a term as chair of that Board. Don held several insurance industry certifications that demonstrated his commitment to his profession and to providing the best possible customer service.

Littleton voters will remember Don as a member of the supervisors of the checklist. Don served on several advisory committees to the Littleton Board of Selectmen and was a second generation member of the Littleton Fire Department. During the late 1950's and early 1960's Don proudly served his country as a member of the NH National Guard from which he received an honorable discharge.

At their annual meeting in 2009 the Littleton Chamber of Commerce (of which he had served a year as president in 1972) honored Don as Littleton's 2008 Citizen of the Year. Don proudly accepted the honor which reflected a lifetime of service to his community. He was not one who sought such accolades, rather he felt he was just doing the right thing for a community that had provided so much for him.

Don's family was equally important to him. His wife Ethelyn, children and grandchildren brought him great joy. His parents and siblings Roger, Verna (Farquaharson) and Virginia (Kelly) and their families were a major part of his life. Ethelyn's parents Al and Bernice and her family all thought the world of Don, he was always available to do whatever needed to be done with a smile on his face.

Don loved golf, whether playing or following the professionals on television. He was a longtime member of the Bethlehem Country Club and played in the Twilight League for many years. His proficiency at the game enabled him to capture a club championship and he scored two holes in one at BCC. Many long-time friends and acquaintances were made while playing golf at the BCC and other courses around New England.

Don Sargent lived a wonderful life, one that was full of giving and caring for others. His selflessness was never more so exemplified than in his later years as he made sure that Ethelyn, besieged by arthritis and dementia, was well taken care of. Don always looked at it from the point of view that her being with him was a gift and made sure she was able to be with him in their home until her passing. To him, it was the only option.

Don is survived by his children Jeffrey (spouse Martha Coombs), Sara (spouse Ricky Marvin), and William and his grandchildren include Drucilla and Isobel Sargent and Ryan Marvin. His surviving family also includes his dear sister-in-law Charlotte and nieces and nephews as well as several cousins on Ethelyn's side of the family.

SERVICES -- A memorial service for Don will be held at the Littleton Methodist Church at 3:00 PM on Saturday July 28, followed by a reception at the Littleton VFW. A family committal service at Wheeler Hill Cemetery will precede the memorial service.